Reissue of NW Acoustic Survey Charter

Tender description

A requirement exists for the charter of a single vessel (or pair of pelagic trawlers) capable of targeting horse mackerel for a period of up to 10 days to conduct an acoustic survey in areas where horse mackerel may be present. The Project is funded by the provision of additional quota allocation (scientific quota) from the TAC of horse mackerel. The maximum additional allocation available is 317 tonnes, based on a price of €645 / tonne. The payment will relate solely to days spent at sea as part of the survey. Vessels are invited to tender on the basis of their ability to undertake the survey schedule. This comprises following a pre-determined cruise track in the order of 1,740 nmi (nautical miles) over not more than 10 days (Figure 1), and possibly less, including mob and demob time. The survey will operate 24 hours a day and will involve steaming along pre-determined grid lines, while operating a scientific echosounder. Fishing will take place occasionally to verify the species identity of marks observed and obtain biological samples of pelagic species. The survey will ideally take place over a 10 day period in the general window from the 10th to the 30th November, however these may move by a number of days either way. If a pair of pelagic trawlers apply, each partner in a prospective pair team shall apply separately, and state who their partner vessel is. Detailed information of the track and survey plan will be provided by the Marine Institute. The successful applicants will be selected based on technical suitability, cost of charter, and previous experience in scientific research and surveys.